Windows ShellExecuteEx Failed; code 2 Error. Cannot open .exe

Question

I tried to install a .exe file and received the "ShellExecuteEx Failed; code 2". Then noticed it seems to be all .exe files. When trying to run as administrator I get "Windows cannot find '_______'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again"

I also cannot:

open task manager

open regedit

run command prompt as administrator

open system restore

open device manager

• I can't to start the computer in safe mode....
• I cannot delete a folder called IObit

This is Windows 10 64bit

I have tried:

• Virus & Malware scans (nothing found)
• Registry fixes via CCleaner

Any help would be majorly appreciated! Been trying to solve this for hours now.

Answer 1

Please share your Farbar scan logs for analysis.

1] Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-bit (FRST64.exe)

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/farbar-recovery-scan-tool/

2] If the OS language is not English, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64English.exe.

3] Run the program. Don't check or uncheck any options. Click "Scan".

4] Add the two logs, FRST.txt and Addition.txt, to a Zip archive, share them on OneDrive or GoFile.io, and post the link here.

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Note:

• You can download FRST64.exe from another computer and copy it to your system. If you can't run it, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64.com and run it.
• If Microsoft Edge or Chrome mislabels the Farbar Scanner executable as PUA/malware, choose to keep it by tapping … in the bottom bar, choosing Keep, and then choosing Keep anyway in the dialog that appears. See this screenshot: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/media/microsoft-edge-security-download-interruptions/dowload-was-blocked.png. It's a safe tool used in most antimalware forums.